2.4: Impact of Technology
Social networking use of dedicated websites and applications to interact with other users, or to find people
with similar interests to one's own
Virtual community social network of individuals who connect through specific social media, potentially
crossing geographical and political boundaries, in order to pursue mutual interests or goals
Telecommuting Is the ability for an employee work from home (outside the traditional workplace) by using
telecommunications tools such as email, phone + connecting to network/ internet
Computer fraud Cybercrime and the act of using a computer to take or alter electronic data, or to gain
unlawful use of a computer/ system with goal of obtaining money + info illegally
Information Excess of info available to a person aiming to complete a task or make a decision →
overload impedes the decision-making process, resulting in a poor (or even no) decision being made
Feel helpless, unable to cope, unproductive behaviour (procrastination)
Crowdfunding the practice of funding a project by raising money from a large number of people who
each contribute a relatively small amount, typically via the internet.
RSS (Really Simple Technology that automatically provides users with updated content from many diff sites
Syndication)
Digital divide Gap b/w those who have ready access to computers + internet, and those who do not
The impact of technology on the global community
• People communicate on a global scale
• Work, business and competition take place on a global scale – remove distance + time barriers, small business
can compete globally (advertising), outsourcing work
• The flow of info is difficult to control and
restrict
• Telecommuting is possible eg. Phoning/emailing ppl to advertise products + not physically coming to work (work
from home which reduces traffic congestion + pollution)
• Computer fraud takes place
• Many people suffer from information overload
How to cope with info overload
• Learn to read quickly and accurately, identify the key points.
• Learn to analyse and compare sources: never assume a single source is the only correct one
• Take a disciplined and structured approach to dealing with information.
o Limit time spent on dealing with information
o Remove distractions when working (disconnect from internet)
o Filter email into categories
o Use RSS feeds and readers to structure news you read
o Use search tools properly (advance search options)
o Use features (images, videos, news) of browser that can save time
• Don’t add to problem by unnecessarily fwd info
Social networking and the impact of ICT
Social networking services:
− Free
− Require users to register
− Encourage ppl to get others to join
− Make money by selling info about users/ selling targeted advertising to marketing companies
Social networking use of dedicated websites and applications to interact with other users, or to find people
with similar interests to one's own
Virtual community social network of individuals who connect through specific social media, potentially
crossing geographical and political boundaries, in order to pursue mutual interests or goals
Telecommuting Is the ability for an employee work from home (outside the traditional workplace) by using
telecommunications tools such as email, phone + connecting to network/ internet
Computer fraud Cybercrime and the act of using a computer to take or alter electronic data, or to gain
unlawful use of a computer/ system with goal of obtaining money + info illegally
Information Excess of info available to a person aiming to complete a task or make a decision →
overload impedes the decision-making process, resulting in a poor (or even no) decision being made
Feel helpless, unable to cope, unproductive behaviour (procrastination)
Crowdfunding the practice of funding a project by raising money from a large number of people who
each contribute a relatively small amount, typically via the internet.
RSS (Really Simple Technology that automatically provides users with updated content from many diff sites
Syndication)
Digital divide Gap b/w those who have ready access to computers + internet, and those who do not
The impact of technology on the global community
• People communicate on a global scale
• Work, business and competition take place on a global scale – remove distance + time barriers, small business
can compete globally (advertising), outsourcing work
• The flow of info is difficult to control and
restrict
• Telecommuting is possible eg. Phoning/emailing ppl to advertise products + not physically coming to work (work
from home which reduces traffic congestion + pollution)
• Computer fraud takes place
• Many people suffer from information overload
How to cope with info overload
• Learn to read quickly and accurately, identify the key points.
• Learn to analyse and compare sources: never assume a single source is the only correct one
• Take a disciplined and structured approach to dealing with information.
o Limit time spent on dealing with information
o Remove distractions when working (disconnect from internet)
o Filter email into categories
o Use RSS feeds and readers to structure news you read
o Use search tools properly (advance search options)
o Use features (images, videos, news) of browser that can save time
• Don’t add to problem by unnecessarily fwd info
Social networking and the impact of ICT
Social networking services:
− Free
− Require users to register
− Encourage ppl to get others to join
− Make money by selling info about users/ selling targeted advertising to marketing companies
